Paddling the Wilton Manors loop in Ft Lauderdale – kayak for Thanksgiving !

Maybe it wasn’t the Turkey,

but a good enough excuse to go paddle anyway!

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Aerial birds-eye view of paddlers on the Wilton Manors loop at Island City Park Preserve in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
CLICK for interactive panorama.

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The Wilton Manors loop is about 7 miles of very relaxing paddling!

We launched at Colohatchee Park for this fun urban “after Thanksgiving Day” recovery paddle trip. Another good launch spot is at Island City Park Preserve or even George English Park for a longer version.

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Wilton Manors Island City Paddling loop in Ft Lauderdale along the Middle River.
There are several parks and put-ins along the loop. Some are boat ramps, some have floating docks. All are small local parks and parking space is limited!

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Map of Wilton Manors Island City loop

Paddling this loop was a nice way to take in some of Wilton Manors’ sub-urban sights along stretches of both the South and North forks of the Middle River. Like much of South Florida, this area of Ft Lauderdale was pure wilderness only a hundred years ago. A little bit of quality wetlands remain here along the shores of the North fork of the Middle River to enjoy and explore

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On this trip we had a special guest : Kayak Jeff !

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Kayakers on the Wilton Manors loop.

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Aerial view paddling under old FEC rail tracks on the South Fork of the Middle River in Ft Lauderdale.

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Kayaking on the South fork of the Middle River in Wilton Manors.

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Frank paddles his cool Folbot folding kayak on the Wilton Manors loop.

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Kayak Jeff paddled into town .. drone-eye view! 😉

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Aerial view of kayakers  on the Wilton Manors loop at Island City Park Preserve in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
CLICK for fun interactive zoomable panoramic!

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It’s good to see quality wetlands inside creeks of urban South Florida here along the shore of the North fork of the Middle River.

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Fun waterfront sights along the Wilton Manors Island City loop!

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Kayak Jeff and Whitney of the South Florida Kayaking Meetup chat with a kayaker on shore.

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Launch/pull-out at the boat ramp at Colohatchee Park in Wilton Manors.

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Please NOTE that while pretty and relaxing, be advised that the water quality may not always be that great. I would caution against swimming or entering the water directly. That being said, this paddle is like a nice stroll through the neighborhood. There is very little if any boat traffic on the loop itself, limited to small Jon boats due to all the low bridges. However if paddling up from the Intracoastal Waterway or Middle River you will encounter the South Florida general boating public!

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Wilton Manors Island City Loop is about 7 miles to kayak around – click to enlarge map.

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Another variation of this trip starting and ending at George English Park:

Wilton Manors Island City Paddling loop in a K1 kayak with the South Florida Paddlers group!

Wilton Manors Island City Paddling loop in a K1 kayak with the South Florida Paddlers group!

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Enjoy!

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! Bless UP

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DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!